Ted Bundy Linked to 1974 Utah Teen Murder Via DNA Evidence
Authorities announced Tuesday that DNA analysis has connected serial killer Ted Bundy to the unsolved death of a 17-year-old girl in Utah, discovered more than 50 years ago.
PARK CITY, Utah — Investigators have used DNA evidence to link serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of a 17-year-old girl in Utah, authorities announced Tuesday. The body of Melissa Ann Smith was discovered by a hunter more than 50 years ago, and her death had remained a cold case until this recent development.
Bundy, who died in 1989, has had the number of his confirmed victims increase due to advancements in DNA technology. He was responsible for the deaths of at least 30 women and girls across multiple states in the 1970s, with many others surviving his attacks or escaping. He was executed in Florida in 1989 for the 1978 murders of two women at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University.
Authorities in Summit County, Utah, stated they are now satisfied that Bundy was the perpetrator in Smith's death.